Prairie Rose Publications

Search This Blog

Monday, March 19, 2018

Columbia is one of my go to places for research about
the mid- to late 1800’s western research in general and California gold rush
history in particular. It never became a ghost town like so many gold mining
communities, but struggled for years until the state government of California
established it as a state park. They preserved the buildings that still existed
from the hey-day of the town’s existence, brought in vendors, many of which
provided food and goods reminiscent of the period, and opened it to the public.

One building that still exists from that time period, although I
suspect it has had its wood roof replaced, is the town jail. I have visited
several times. It is far from roomy, and was not designed for comfort. Since
Columbia was not the county seat, it also was not designed for long-term
prisoner stays. There was a district court in Columbia, and one instance of a
murder case, the suspects were housed in the Tuolumne County jail in Sonora
five miles to the south until they were brought back to Columbia for trial.
However, most snippets from the newspaper of the time, the Columbia Gazette, refer to prisoners being transported to Sonora.

Columbia State Park Humor

However, it is not the original jail. Here is the
timeline for the building that is now known as the jail:

1850s Originally this lot
was part of a larger lot. It was acquired by Mullan and Williams for the Boston
Livery.

1866 The lot is split, the south half is purchased by Mike Rehm.

1870s North half of the lot has the jail (not the current building), the
south half has a stone building which is used to store black powder.

1949 Donated to the state from Tuolumne County, no money changed hands,
valued at $100. (as part of the town of Columbia becoming a state park.)

Iron Doors to Jail - only source of light and air.

The lawlessness of Columbia, typical of gold-mining towns, did
require a jail. At first it was a matter of chaining the arrestee to a sturdy
tree until he could be transported to Sonora. The first jail was built of wood.
However, Columbia, like many foothill towns, regularly went up in flames. Even
after merchants and individual after the destructive blaze of 1854 began
constructing their buildings of brick made at nearby Shaw Flats and placing
iron doors over their doorways and windows to discourage the spread of flames,
large fires broke out in 1857 and 1861.

Inside of Jail Cell

The author of one source wrote with a dramatic flair
about some of the Mother Lode jails that embedded heavy steel rings in the
floor in the event the jailors felt they needed to chain prisoners “low down.”
However, there does not appear to have been such rings in the Columbia jail.

Opening to Cells-Courtesy of Retired Prisons on Waymarketing

Here is what else the author had to say about this
jail:

“Built
during the 1860s, this tiny, solid building remained in use until the late
1930s. Inside are two cells and a small space where the jailer could keep an
eye on the bad guys. Wooden doors front the two cells, with small
openings next to each, through which food may have been passed to the prisoners
inside. The sturdy brick and stone construction, along with a heavy iron door,
provided what appears to be a quite effective lock up.”

Keep in mind, originally this building was next to the old
jail, and it was used to store black powder before it was converted into the
jail. The two cells in this structure are cramped. There are no windows or
openings to allow in light or air. The space for the jailer which allows access
to the cells is not any bigger. Except for keeping a jailer out of the weather,
that space would almost seem like a cell except the double iron doors which
served as the only entrance and source of light and air supply for the building
filled almost one end. Based on its current appearance, there was no source of
heating. However, in the days before the roof was restored, there might have
been a single burner wood stove for the comfort of the jailer.

Either way, I would not want to spend any more time there
than the two minutes it took me to look it over and take a few pictures.

Anyone
who has not yet read my Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series yet which
takes place just on the other side of the Sierra Nevada mountains from Columbia and Sonora, you may enjoy my first two books in the Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series. You may find the first book
in the series, Big Meadow Valentine, by CLICKING HERE. The second book,A Resurrected Heart, is about the April resurrection day in the gold mining town of Lundy, but it has nothing to do with Easter. You may find this book by CLICKING HERE.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Oh, how I love a good villain! Whether I’m reading about one or watching him/her on film, or best of all—WRITING ONE!

What makes a good villain? Well, in my opinion, first and foremost he can’t be one-dimensional. I know in our “real world” there are those people that seem to be evil just for the sake of it and some of them probably are. But in our reading/writing, we want to know WHY. What made this person turn out like he did—a diabolical, cunning, demonic person that will stop at nothing to accomplish what he’s set out to do?

This leads to the question, is there anything at all that would stop him from carrying out his evil plans? Would a memory stop him, or trigger him? Would any one person be able to reason with him? Would a “new plan” divert him from carrying out the blueprint for disaster for the hero/heroine that he’s already come up with?
But there are other things that have to be reckoned with. Those things that might have happened to him in his past to create and mold him into the kind of person who would be so bold and determined to use anything—no matter how it hurts others—to his own advantage are important. But what are the factors that drive him presently? A circumstance of opportunity? A long-seated need for revenge and the path to that revenge being presented? Greed? Burning jealousy? Maybe even the death of a loved one that he may not have wanted to embarrass by his actions while they were still living—now that they’re gone, all bets are off!

THE DEVIL AND MISS JULIA JACKSON has the heroine caught between a distant relative who throws her and her niece out of their home and the job as nursemaid she takes in Indian Territory, working for a man who is, at first, cold and unresponsive. The villain in this story shifts between the man who threw Julia out of her home to someone else who means to destroy her employer.

I’ve had so many villains I’ve created in my writing that were motivated by different things. My first one, Andrew Fallon, appeared in FIRE EYES. He was just pure evil. He didn’t care about anything or anyone—even his family, as his brother found out when he came looking for him.

In TIME PLAINS DRIFTER, the villain is paranormal—a demon who can shape-shift. How in the world will the innocents he’s after survive? They have a reluctant angel or two on their side, but the demon is powerful. Can they overcome his strength?

In my first contemporary romantic suspense, SWEET DANGER, Tabor Hardin has his revenge handed to him on a silver platter, being in the right place at the right time to turn the tables on the undercover cop who put him in jail—before his escape. He’s a man with nothing to lose at this point, and Jesse Nightwalker, the cop, has a new life hovering on the horizon—if he can survive.

Greed comes in to play in BEYOND THE FIRE, when undercover DEA agent Jackson Taylor’s cover is blown and a drug lord comes after him, trying to use Jack’s undercover partner against him. But there is a secret that even Jack hasn’t known about his partner—and the woman he’s falling in love with. Is it enough to defeat the powerful drug cartel and keep Jackson, Kendi, and his partner safe?

Treachery comes in all forms and it’s most often quite a surprise. No matter how vigilant our heroes are, they come up against some very foreboding, sharp cunning from the villains—after all, they have to have a worthy opponent, right?

Speaking of worthy opponents, I’ll talk a little about my contemporary romantic suspense CAPTURE THE NIGHT—where the villain, Kieran McShane, runs his own rogue faction of the Irish Republican Army and plans to murder Great Britain’s Prime Minister while he’s on vacation in Dallas. Johnny Logan is an undercover Dallas cop, staying in the hotel as added protection for the prime minister; Alexa Bailey is treating herself to a one-year divorce anniversary vacation. When McShane takes over the entire hotel, it’s only a matter of time before he discovers them up on the roof in the maintenance housing—and collateral damage means nothing to him. With the hostages brought to the roof, McShane threatens to begin throwing them over one by one—unless his demands are met. Can Johnny and Alexa survive the whims of a madman, bent on political revenge?

One of my favorite recent stories is SABRINA, one of four novels that appears in the boxed set MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR SALE: THE REMINGTON SISTERS. Four sisters are at the mercy of their stepfather who plans to sell them to the highest bidder now that their mother is dead. But these girls have other plans. Can they manage to get away? Will they be able to keep themselves safe from Josiah Bloodworth no matter how far away they go? This is a very fun set of four full length novels, each sister’s story penned by a different author. Livia Washburn Reasoner—Lizzy; Jacquie Rogers—Belle; Celia Yeary—Lola; and Cheryl Pierson—Sabrina.

Here's an excerpt of Sabrina facing down the villain, her stepfather, in the dressmaker's shop. Cam is listening to it all from the back, waiting for his chance to save her, his sister, and the proprietor of the shop. Here's what happens:

“So you see, dear Sabrina, you have no true choice about what you do—and neither do your sisters.” Bloodworth spread his hands as he spoke. “You will, indeed, come home to Pennsylvania from this godforsaken place and do exactly as you are told. You will marry a man—a proper gentleman—of my choosing.” He took a step closer to her.

She faced him unflinchingly, her head held high. “I will no more return to Philadelphia with you than fly to the moon. You would do well to carry your pompous, maggot-ridden self away from here and get as far east as you can go posthaste—before my husband returns for us—and sends you straight to hell.” She spoke as regally as a queen to the lowliest dregs of society, without a trace of fear.

A thin smile touched Bloodworth’s lips, but the calm iciness in his pale eyes was what put Cam on alert. This man was determined, and he believed no one could stop him.

His muscle-bound cohort stood near the door, keeping watch so that Bloodworth didn’t need to worry about any distractions—from the two other women, or from any of the townspeople.

“My dear Sabrina, you are most definitely going to do exactly as I tell you. Or else.”

“Else what? You’ll drag me back by my hair like the brute that you truly are?”

Bloodworth chuckled. “Well, well. Our little Sabrina has come into her own, hasn’t she?” He stroked his chin. “Actually, I don’t believe I shall have to drag you back. I think you most likely will do anything I say once I lay my hands on that half-breed husband of yours…even if I tell you to climb up on this counter and spread your legs like the whore you are…just like your mother was—”

The slap Sabrina gave Bloodworth echoed through the room, and brought a spot of blood to the corner of his mouth. Unruffled, he took out his handkerchief and dabbed at it.

“I’m going to kill your husband, Sabrina Rose. It will be a long…slow…and very, very painful death. And you will have only yourself to blame."

So many wonderful reasons for becoming a villain! The motivations are just endless, aren’t they? It’s a fine line to walk, making them evil, yet sympathetic in some instances, and letting our readers see a glimpse of their humanity—if they have any left.

Do you have a favorite villain you’ve written or read? What about your favorite film villain?

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Beware the ides of March—a phrase of dire warning. A phrase that conjures images of danger, destruction, and death. Where did this dark association with the 15th of March originate?

As with many phrases we use today, we have William Shakespeare to thank. While historically, we know Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, 44 BCE as a result of a conspiracy by a group of Roman senators, it was Shakespeare who immortalized this particular phrase in his play Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2:

CAESAR:Who calls?

CASCA:Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again. Music ceases.CAESAR:Who is in the press that calls on me?I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,Cry "Caesar!"--Speak. Caesar is turned to hear

SOOTHSAYER: Yells out from the crowdHey, Caesar! Watch out when you go out and about on March 15th. I see a bad moon rising, and it's got your name on it.

CAESAR: responds when the Soothsayer is brought before himYou're just a crazy old man. I can't be bothered with this hocus-pocus nonsense. Get out of my way. I've got places to go, things to do, and peoples to conquer. Come on, guys. Let's blow this popsicle stand.

Obviously, Caesar should have listened...

But, poor, poor maligned March 15th.

There isn't anything inherently worrisome, sinister, or foreboding about this date. In fact, every month has an "ides". It's simply the 15th of the month. The word 'ides' is a derivative of the Latin verb iduare/idus*, which means 'to divide". The ides denoted the Roman method of signifying the day in the middle of the month**. More specifically, the ides related directed to the way lunar phases were calculated at the time. The full moon in any given month typically fell between the 13th and the 15th. Before Caesar was in charge of... well, just about everything... and he changed the calendar, the ides of March was the date of the new year and a time for celebration.

If you're wondering what historic events occurred on March 15th that weren't as gruesome as Julius Caesar's assassination, here is a short list:

References:*Pancho Villa:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancho_VillaDoroteo Arango Arámbula (June 5, 1878 – July 23, 1923), better known as Francisco or "Pancho" Villa, a Mexican Revolutionary general. This work is from the National Photo Company collection at the Library of Congress. According to the library, there are no known copyright restrictions on the use of this work.*Sir Laurence Olivier - Pinterest*Movie Posters: Going My Way and The Godfather - Wikipedia

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

While shape-shifting is often associated with evil and
deception, it can be thought of most easily as a way to incorporate the
qualities and sensory perceptions of a particular animal. Shape-shifting allows
the navigation through different levels of consciousness, both awake and
dreaming, and along the astral plane.

In the iconic King Arthur story "The Sword in the
Stone" by T. H. White, the wizard Merlin transforms young Arthur into many
different animals to aid the boy in learning how to be king. When Arthur finally
pulls the sword from the stone, the animal kingdom relays many mystical
messages, giving him strength and courage to grow into the man he needs to be.

In shamanic realms, one must master energy to become a
shape-shifter, and thereby learn to shift situations.

Shape-shifting goes hand-in-hand with totem animals. In many
cultures, association with an animal is a means of navigating the world—Coyote
energy is mischievous, Raven energy is cunning and otherworldly, Rabbit energy
is quick and alert. If one has an affinity for a certain creature, why not
imagine what it would be like to be
that animal? What might this teach you?

Wilderness is not a
luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.

~ Author Edward Abbey

Each animal has its own gifts, which are accessible to us.
Bear teaches us to set clear boundaries and balance activities with periods of
rest. Butterfly embodies transformation from one state to the next. Whale calls
to deep creativity and the ability to sing
your intention into the landscape.

Shifting focus has long been an avenue to unlock creativity.
While running along the terrain as a bobcat, what wondrous things will you see?

Lots of people talk to
animals. Not very many listen, though. That's the problem. ~ Benjamin Hoff

Monday, March 12, 2018

Blog-a-Book-Scene is a monthly
themed blogging endeavor from a group of authors who love to share excerpts
from their stories. Find us on Twitter with the hashtag #blogabookscene and #PrairieRosePub.

Ah, March…“Comes in like a Lion, goes out like a Lamb”

Sitting here, thinking about
a March blog and listening to the early March wind howl outside, that saying came to mind. I grew up with it—it was repeated every
time a thunderstorm fired up in early March. But I have no idea where it comes
from. And after researching it—I’m still not sure.

According to the Paris
Review blog, one of the earliest citations is from Thomas Fuller in a 1732
compendium, Gnomologia: Adagies
and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and
British. Fuller's wording is as I listed at the top of this blog.

Another possible reference
seems to be the stars. March begins under Leo, the lion, and goes out under
Aries, the ram—although a lamb and a ram aren’t quite the same thing.

Regardless, if you grew up
and/or live in tornado alley like me, when the wind blows strong and the storms
pop up, the adage will come up more than once this month.

In a nod to spring—may it please arrive soon!—here’s an excerpt
from one of my short stories.

Doctor Franz Bittner is satisfied with his life as it is. He
has a good practice in a place where he is respected, in spite of his German
birth. He has good friends and enough income to provide him with a few
comforts. A wife would only complicate things. Then a tiny blond stranger is
pulled from the river and everything changes. With one smile she captures his
attention—and steals his heart.

Rebekah Snow Redmann barely survived her abusive husband’s
attack. Though she was given to him to pay her father’s debts, she’d rather die
than go back. Then she ends up in the care of the handsome local doctor and he
stitches up more than her wounds—he mends her soul. With him, she discovers
everything that she believes she can never have...a love that will last
forever.

“This is the first time our little town
has attempted such a thing. The Spring Dance was envisioned by Martha and her
friend, Mary Hawken, and they’ve worked very hard on it. Would you like to
attend this evening?”

Rebekah stared up at Franz from her spot
on the blue damask settee. “I don’t think I’m strong enough to dance.”

“You don’t have to do anything more than
sit and watch. I should attend, in support of my sister, but I will stay here
with you, if that is what you wish.”

“No, you mustn’t disappoint Martha. She’s
been so kind to me. You both have.”

When Franz’s gaze heated, she looked
away. She may not know much, but she recognized his desire. She felt the same
for him and it made her physically ill to know nothing could come of it.

“Little one, we don’t have to go. I will
simply ask someone to come and stay with us while Martha is gone.”

“A chaperone?” Rebekah laughed. “That’s
hardly necessary, given the circumstances.” When he remained silent, she tried
to explain. “If I’m married, you’re safe. And the people here know you would
never take advantage of me.”

“But do you know that?” He crossed the
room to sit beside her. “Do you believe you are safe alone here with me?”

“Yes.” Though that wasn’t entirely true.
She trusted him—but not herself.

“That is good.” Franz patted her hand and
rose. “Then we will attend the dance for Martha. We will stay only a little
while, and when you are ready, we will come home.”

She nodded her agreement and he left, mumbling
something about pressing a suit. He’d barely disappeared from sight when the
front door opened and Martha breezed in, bringing a waft of cool, damp spring air
into the room.

Fear that her presence in Martha’s parlor would
upset the woman ripped through her. “Franz said it was all right if I sat in
here for a while. The sun felt so good and I sat right where he showed me. I
didn’t touch anything else, I swear.” Her words trailed off when Martha only
stared at her in silence before reminding her that she was welcome in this
beautiful home. Martha went so far as to give her permission to rearrange the
room to suit herself. “I don’t think I’ll find it necessary to move everything.”

“That is good to hear. Are you up to eating a
bite of supper? Then I have to get dressed for the Spring Dance.”

“I’ve invited Rebekah to go with us.” Franz
leaned against the doorframe, smiling gently at his patient.

Rebekah couldn’t believe she was actually
blushing as Franz smiled at her. When Martha enthusiastically supported her
brother, she knew she was attending the dance. “I have nothing to wear.”

Martha suggested Mary Hawken might have a dress
that would fit and Franz immediately offered to go and ask, shocking both
women. But the thought of wearing something that hadn’t been provided by her
husband held incredible allure.

“Sheriff Tate?” Rebekah couldn’t stop the wave
of terror that swept her. She avoided lawmen. The scars on her back were from
the one time she’d tried to involve the law to gain her freedom.

Martha’s reassurance helped, though her fear
was too deep-seated to be removed by a few words. But, she would never disappoint
Martha or Franz. If going to the dance meant being in the company of Sheriff
Tate, she would manage somehow.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Ex-gunslinger Jude Morgan lands in jail in a far-flung West Texas town. On the fourth day, the sheriff ushers in a beautiful woman dressed in men’s pants and toting her own six-shooter. Adriana Jones claims he is her worthless husband who married her, but never came home.

The young woman makes a bargain with Jude in front of the sheriff. Jude is to come home where he belongs, and she will have him released. Once they’re alone, she explains his job is to pose as her husband to thwart the marriage advances of her neighbor, wealthy rancher Horace Caruthers. The older man wants her ranch to join with his; the Pecos River runs through her property.

To seal the bargain, Jude wants a kiss. During the next few weeks, however, Jude and Addie learn that the kiss meant more than they intended. Then, when Addie's life is in danger, will Jude rescue his Addie? Or will Addie save herself and her gunslinger?

My Review:

Ooooohhh!!! Jude (swoon -- love that name!!) and Addie deliver an adorable little tale of a man looking for something different out of life and a woman who needs a man to help save her home. Love how they meet and watching the initial sparks flare and grow into something more.

There were a couple of surprising twists to go with the drama, making this quick sweet story lighthearted with just enough excitement to keep your attention.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

One of my favorite historical western romance themes is mail order brides. The vulnerability, uncertainty, determination, and maybe even desperation from the bride and/or groom to embark on such a journey speaks to something deep in me. Just trying to put myself in their shoes and live that adventure with them can be quite the emotional experience. Lots of trust and blind faith, even despite whatever was posted in advertisements or shared via letters.

When I heard about the Remington sisters anthology -- I jumped on reading it! I mean, four inter-connected stories about sisters saving themselves from a ruthless step-father by becoming mail order brides and choosing to have faith in the unknown rather than what their step-father has planned for them? Sign me up!

Here's a little taste of what you'll experience with each sister.

Lizzy: By Livia J. Washburn

“I don’t want the money,” Devery said. His face was flushed a dark red. “I want the wife I bought and paid for!” With that, he reached forward swiftly and closed his right hand around Lizzy’s left wrist. He jerked her toward him and turned to drag her away from the office door. “You can send for your things,” he said over his shoulder. “We’re goin’ home—”

Lizzy opened her mouth to scream for help as fear flooded through her. Before she could make a sound, though, one of the men who’d been drinking at the bar stepped into Devery’s path and said, “I don’t think the lady wants to go with you, mister.”

{some fun stuff happens, and then.....}

He asked, “Are you...all right, miss?”

“Yes, I think so,” Lizzy said. “I appreciate what you did for me, sir. You don’t know how much.”

“Damn right,” the younger man slurred, then slumped and the older fellow grabbed him and pulled him upright. “Contract.”

“Then you’ll marry me?”On the one hand, she needed to get married, and get married now. On the other, she wasn’t all that enamored with committing herself to a drunk.

Sabrina: By Cheryl Pierson

“What do you see when you look at me, Sabrina?”

His question caught her off guard, and she glanced up at him from her plate. But his gaze snared hers, and wouldn’t let her go. “A…a man, of course.” She shook herself, turning her attention back to her food. “Is this a question I should answer in a particular way? A test, perhaps?”

Cam’s lips twisted up faintly.

“A trustworthy man,” Sabrina went on. “Someone who is kind, but…someone who could be quite—deadly, I think. Should the need arise.”

The accuracy of that observation surprised him. “What makes you say that?”

“You wear your gun tied down, and you wear it low. In the dime novels,” she went on, “many times the hero can be as lethal as the villain.”

At that, he did smile. “Which am I, ’Brina? Hero, or villain?”

She cocked her head to one side. “Hmm. Tall. Dark. Handsome. I’d say you’re the…hero.”

He laughed. “You forgot ‘deadly’.”

She sobered. “Are you? Deadly?”

Lola: By Celia Yeary

Jack’s deep, rich voice drew her attention. “If you’re standing while shooting, spread your legs slightly for leverage and to keep balanced. Now, the rifle isn’t loaded so you can learn how to hold it, look down the sight, and pull the trigger. You’ll feel a kick to your shoulder when we fire it. Ready?”

The closeness of him, the clean scent of him, and the feel of his breath against her neck as he stood so near made shivers run up her spine. Her heart pounded… She feared she might swoon.

ONLY 99 CENTS

Subscribe to our newsletter!

The Prairie Rose Gazette offers contests and giveaways, slices of life in the Old West, news about upcoming releases, author interviews, and more.Subscribe here!

Follow by Email

Followers

Prairie Rose Publications

Welcome to PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS

PRP is a publishing company devoted to publishing westerns and western romances written by women.

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS was opened in August, 2013, by LIVIA J. WASHBURN and CHERYL PIERSON, two authors who saw a need for such an imprint. Usually, when people think “westerns” they think of male authors and male readers—but that’s not true in today’s world. Many women are just as interested in reading—and writing—westerns as their male counterparts; and of course, western romance has always been popular among the ladies!